Even as its Program Coordinator, Cynthia Becker is a big fan of the Senior Services Elizabeth and Tab Williams Adult Day Center.  She started at the Williams Center as a student volunteer after taking an activity director course nine years ago and never left. “I don’t have a ‘J-O-B’ anymore; I have a career, I have a passion, I have a purpose,” she said with a smile. Cynthia’s eyes shine when she describes her work, which includes planning stimulating activities and programs for participants, overseeing them and the staff and volunteers who help carry them out, leading tours with volunteers, helping with planting, or even fixing a cabinet door!  “Any of the non-nursing things that happen at the Williams Center, I usually have a hand in.” 

 “I’m very fortunate; I work in the best place with the best staff, and I get to help somebody every single day.” 

Cynthia notes that as we age, retire, and start to feel a few more aches and pains, we can begin to feel isolated and without purpose.  At the Williams Center, creating a fun and engaging environment for the participants, many of whom are living with memory loss, some level of frailty, and experiencing many of these changes, is very important.  “We do science programs, STEM projects, arts and crafts, devotionals, trivia programs, armchair travel, language and culture. We’ll try anything twice; if it doesn’t work the first time, we give it another shot,” Cynthia said with a smirk. Taking part in the programs, being physically active, socializing, and making new friends keeps participants engaged in life and, according to many studies, may even slow the progression of memory loss. 

Cynthia strives to make sure that every participant’s day is filled with social interaction, a feeling of belonging, and joy; things we all seek out on a regular basis. She credits the devotion and professionalism of the entire staff with creating an environment for the participants that is safe, engaging, and purposeful. Participants’ caregivers know this, and it makes them feel comfortable leaving their loved ones at the Williams Center for the day, giving them an opportunity to do the things they need to, such as go to work, run errands, get their hair done, or simply rest. 

The Williams Center is making a positive impact on the lives of participants and their families through its creative programming and stellar staff. This was evidenced by its recognition as the 2024 Center of Distinction (for the second time) by the National Adult Day Services Association. This award signals our Williams Center as the ‘best in the country’ and speaks to the innovative programming and compassionate care experienced at the Williams Center. Cynthia admits that it feels great to be a member of the Williams Center team, especially as this recognition comes their way, but she is quick to stress that the recognition is not why she or the rest of the staff is committed to this work. “We don’t do it for awards. We don’t do it for rewards. We do it because there is a need. It’s nice to have the acknowledgement but had we not received the award, it wouldn’t change my day-to-day work life. I’d happily still come in and do the same job without the award because being with the participants, making their day as good as I can, makes me happy and gives additional purpose to my life.” 

As the number of people living with dementia and other forms of memory loss rises in our community, Cynthia takes pride in knowing that the Williams Adult Day Center will be here to help. She is also happy to work for an organization like Senior Services which does everything it can to help as many people as possible access the award-winning programming at the Williams Center. She is looking forward to the organization’s 24th annual Evening for Alzheimer’s Care, an annual gala and silent auction that raises funds to provide scholarships to attend the Williams Center. “We have never turned anybody away because they couldn’t afford to attend the Day Center,”said Cynthia, 

“It’s a great event that helps so many families get the care they need.”

Cynthia is proud of the work the Williams Center does and the role she plays in it. She knows that in that role she is helping older adults age with dignity and live with purpose. She is obviously proud of the work the Williams Center does and is grateful to be able to play a significant part in its success. 

Visit the link below or call 336-724-2155 to learn more about the Elizabeth and Tab Williams Adult Day Center or to schedule a no-cost trial visit.

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